From the Blog

Real People Doing Great Things – Shelley L

Since opening Catalyst 4 Fitness, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some incredible people. Each has her/his own story, obstacles, and successes. One of these women is Shelley Lee.

Tell us about yourself. I am 46 years old, a mother of 2 boys (11 and 13) and I currently teach preschool. It can be difficult to balance kids, work, life in general and taking care of myself. I was an athlete in high school and college so I knew how to work hard and eat right but my life changed and so did I. For several years, I worked out at a local gym but got tired of my same routine. So, I decided to try something new…Cross Training Circuits.

How long have we worked together? In what capacity? I started 1 day a week Cross Training Circuits in the spring of 2015. A couple sessions later I moved to 2 days a week. I had to take 2 months off over the summer due to a minor knee injury. After surgery and rehab, I was cleared for Cross Training Circuits. I had to modify a few exercises for a month or so but grateful to be back. I believe that because I was in pretty good shape before my injury my recovery was quicker and easier. This past winter I started taking Metabolic Explosion Training classes in addition to Cross Training Circuits. My schedule changed this spring and I had to cut back on Cross Training Circuits so I decided to do Workouts To Go with Sharon. I was interested in upper body exercises to do in my spare time and it has really worked out well for me. I don’t feel guilty/missing out on Cross Training Circuits because I can do these exercises when time permits.

What did you expect when you started on each? I really thought that because I was athletic and worked out on a regular basis that I could handle Cross Training Circuits. I was pleasantly surprised I could perform all the moves the first night. What I was clueless on was how sore I would be for many days. I have been coming back ever since.

I was nervous about MET class and if I could keep up. I learned I could keep up and enjoy the different exercises and pushing myself.

Although I enjoy the class setting, WTG have been great to keep me on track with when my time is limited.

How do you feel now? I feel empowered. I feel stronger. It is motivating to me to see others in the class kick butt and I want to be right there with them.

How has your body changed? My muscles are more defined than before. With age my body is changing and I think this type of exercise has helped me to counteract some of those changes.

What non-scale victories have you experienced? Learning to take time out of a hectic schedule to take care of myself…when mom is happy, everyone is happy. Exercise helps me release all the frustration and stress of my day and makes me feel better.

Are you stronger? Yes – mentally and physically. There are days that all I want to do is sit down and do nothing. Having a place to go to exercise with a group of great women is very motivating.

How has your health improved? The more I exercise, the better I feel and the better I eat. I’ve listened to many conversations about flavored egg whites, Muscle Provider, Quest bars, etc. I finally started asking questions and using some of those products. I’ve learned or maybe it’s a poster in Sharon’s studio…30% exercise and 70% diet.

What are your goals? I want to look and feel great. I want to maintain healthy habits and know that when life gets too hectic that I have the tools to pick myself up and keep going.

If you have tried fitness and nutrition plans in the past, what did you try? Why didn’t they work? How is this different? I was working out by myself at a local gym. It worked well until my routine became boring and I lost my motivation. I like the class setting with a great instructor.

What is the best part about working with Sharon? I enjoy the exercises, pushing myself, the story telling and her wealth of knowledge on exercise, health and nutrition.

What is the worst part about working with Sharon? There is no down side!

What would you tell others who are hesitant to start?​ Just try it! Commit to a session and see how your life can change.